At Nation's Oldest Synagogue in Newport, Tim Kaine Says Trump's Religion Rhetoric is 'Un-American'

NEWPORT, RI — Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine isn't the first person to "stumble upon" Touro Synagogue and realize the humble old building in Newport is more than just a National Historic Site — it's a powerful symbol of America's founding principles.

On Wednesday, Kaine, who has been in Rhode Island several times to attend campaign fundraising events hosted by developer and former Providence Mayor Joseph Paolino Jr., posted a photo of himself looking at the synagogue accompanied by an excerpt of a famous letter from America's first president, George Washington.

On this exact day 226 years ago, Moses Seixas, the warden of the synagogue, the oldest synagogue standing on American soil, read a letter to Washington, who was visiting Newport. Seixas praised the notion of religious freedom and urged for affirmation from the administration.

Washington responded: “the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."

The letter, Kaine said, is relevant today because of ideas being pitched by the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.

"Today, we're facing a presidential candidate who has no conception of religious liberty — or civil liberty for that matter. Millions of Americans — not just Jews, but Muslims, LGBT Americans, those with disabilities — worry about their place in society and what Donald Trump's divisive words mean for them," Kaine said. "It's wrong, and frankly, it's un-American. We don't need a president who will further divide us — we need one who will bring us together. And that's exactly what Hillary Clinton will do."

Touro Synagogue was constructed over four years and completed in 1763. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1946.

Of interest: Judge: Newport Congregation Owns Touro Synagogue